Gil Hibben Southern Bowie – Silver Dollar City, MO

The Gil Hibben Southern Bowie

The Silver Dollar City Era (1975–1979)

This massive, classic Bowie represents the craftsmanship of Gil Hibben during his tenure as the resident knifemaker at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. During this four-year period, Hibben produced custom blades that bridged the gap between functional “Old West” tools and the high-art fantasy designs he would later become world-famous for (such as the Rambo III knife).

Technical Specifications

• Overall Length: 18″

• Blade Length: 12.25″

• Blade Material: Typically 440C High-Carbon Stainless Steel (Hibben was a pioneer in using 440C for custom knives during the 1970s).

• Blade Style: Classic Clip Point with a deep belly and a mirror-polished finish.

• Handle Construction: Usually features a hidden tang with a polished brass guard and pommel. The grip is often crafted from premium hardwoods like Cocobolo, Macassar Ebony, or Walnut, sometimes accented with brass and black spacers.

• Origin: Silver Dollar City Craft Guild (Branson, MO).

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Design & Craftsmanship

The Southern Bowie is a “beast” of a knife, designed with the imposing silhouette of 19th-century Arkansas and Missouri sidearms.

• The Blade: The 12.25″ blade is substantial, featuring a clip point that provides a sharp, piercing tip while maintaining enough weight for heavy chopping. The mirror polish is a signature Hibben touch, reflecting the high-end custom nature of the Silver Dollar City guild.

• The Hilt: The oversized brass crossguard is designed for hand protection, while the ergonomic hardwood handle is shaped to provide a secure, comfortable grip despite the knife’s significant weight.

• The Markings: Authentic pieces from this era are often stamped on the ricasso with the “Hibben Knives” logo and occasionally the “Silver Dollar City Craft Guild” crest or location stamp.